How the West Was Won
Hunter Pence, RF, San Francisco Giants – After winning a franchise record 102 games in 2011, the Philadelphia Phillies never seemed to recover from Ryan Howard’s post-season stumble. With literally hours to go before the trade deadline, the Phillies decided to send their unorthodox right fielder, Hunter Pence, to the Giants. In return, Philadelphia recieved outfielder Nate Schierholtz, minor league pitcher Seth Rosin, and Class AA catcher Tommy Joseph (rated the Giants’ No. 2 prospect before this season). With the Dodgers making multiple groundbreaking trades over the past few weeks, the Giants had no choice but to make an attempt at beefing up their struggling offense. Pence is hitting .269 with 17 homers and 59 RBI, instantly becoming the Giants biggest power threat. Though he is making $10.4 million this season, he figures to be due a significant raise via arbitration next year. I am expecting the right handed slugger’s power numbers to drop while hitting at pitcher friendly AT&T Park, but with Pence’s strength and raw talent, the Giants are much better off than they were a week ago.
Shane Victorino, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers – The fading Philadelphia Phillies, who are last in the NL East, also sent speedy outfielder Shane Victorino to the Los Angeles Dodgers for right handers Ethan Martin, Josh Lindblom and cash. “When you’re in last place, you can try any damn thing.” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. “You don’t have anything to lose.” Victorino not only brings a speed threat to Los Angeles, his veteran presence has the ability to help this club on their journey to the post season. Victorino is batting .258 with nine homeruns, 40 RBIs, and 24 steals in 2012. “We’re excited to add an All-Star caliber player with postseason experience,” Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. “He plays the game with passion, gives us a top of the order bat from both sides of the plate, can steal bases and is solid defensively in the outfield.” In 46 postseason games, the Flyin’ Hawaiian hit .269 with six homers and 30 RBIs. He is making $9.5 million this season, and will seek a multi-year deal this off season. Fantasy owners should look for Victorino to score a good amount of runs, hitting in front of Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and newly acquired Hanley Ramirez.
Zack Greinke, SP, Anaheim Angels – One of the trade deadline’s major chips has switched teams, the Anaheim Angels have landed starting pitcher Zack Greinke in a trade with the Brewers. Milwaukee will receive top infield prospect Jean Segura and Double-A right handers John Hellweg and Ariel Pena in exchange for the former Cy Young award winner. After serving as the Brewer’s ace for the past year and a half, Greinke returns to the American League, where he has spent the majority of his brilliant major league career. Living up to his expectations in Milwaukee, the right hander posted a 3.67 ERA in 49 starts with the team, eventually taking them to the post season. In 2012, he is 9-4 with a 3.39 ERA and 130 Ks. With the Oakland A’s being one of the hottest teams in all of baseball, this was a smart move for Anaheim in attempt to solidify their rotation, and shoot for that Wild Card spot.
Ryan Dempster, SP, Texas Rangers – Just four days after their AL West rival Angels acquired Zack Greinke, the Rangers obtained Ryan Dempster from the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Kyle Hendricks and infielder Christian Villanueva. Texas also acquired catcher Geovany Soto from the Cubs for right hander Jake Brigham, giving Dempster the chance to pitch to a catcher that knows him better than anyone. Dempster, who will replace Roy Oswalt in the starting rotation, said “It’s a great opportunity over there, it’s not going to be easy. There are a lot of teams out there that are really good. I think they have as good a chance as anybody.” The quirky right hander was 5-5 with a 2.25 ERA in 16 starts for the Cubs this year, and can become a free agent at the end of this season. Dempster’s fantasy value generously rises by joining the Rangers, and his owners should expect win after win with such great run support.
